CalArts vs. Golden Gate University

Comparable Facts

Compare California Institute of the Arts in Valencia, CA with Golden Gate University in San Francisco, CA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Golden Gate University is larger than CalArts based on total student enrollment (3,098 students vs. 1,277 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• California Institute of the Arts is located in Valencia, CA (Midsize Suburban setting); Golden Gate University is in San Francisco, CA (Large City setting).
• California Institute of the Arts is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Golden Gate University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: California Institute of the Arts 7:1; Golden Gate University 7:1.

CalArts vs. Golden Gate University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, CalArts or Golden Gate University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Golden Gate University are 6.6% lower than at California Institute of the Arts ($13,200 vs. $14,134).
• California Institute of the Arts is 90.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Golden Gate University (about $28,008 more per year; $58,996.00 vs. $30,988.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 90.4% higher at CalArts than at Golden Gate University (about $28,008 more per year; $58,996.00 vs. $30,988.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at California Institute of the Arts than at Golden Gate University (95% vs. 0%).

CalArts vs. Golden Gate University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, CalArts or Golden Gate University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Golden Gate University and CalArts.

• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: CalArts - Test-free; Golden Gate University - Not reported.
• Typical fall application deadline: CalArts Jan 5, 2027.

CalArts vs. Golden Gate University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for CalArts and Golden Gate University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Graduates from Golden Gate University earn a median of about $26,000 more per year than CalArts graduates about ten years after starting college ($76,400 vs. $50,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, California Institute of the Arts graduates have a $1,339 lower median loan debt than Golden Gate University graduates ($28,500 vs. $29,839).
• Among borrowers, CalArts graduates have an estimated $14 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Golden Gate University graduates ($294 vs. $308).
• More CalArts graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Golden Gate University students, three years after graduation. (64% vs. 57%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.